Fit, Fab, Fierce

Hi! It's Kelly Mickle, SELF's associate editor. Last Thursday I was invited to attend a fund-raiser for an incredible program called Energy Up!, so I asked Lucy if I could steal her blog for the day to tell you all about it.

Founded in 2001 by celebrity trainer Kathy Dolgin (aka High Voltage), Energy Up! is dedicated to fighting obesity in inner-city schools and is the first school program medically proven to work—it’s helped countless young women lose weight and boost their self-esteem through food tastings, workout sessions, music and daily affirmations.

The event recognized five girls who participated in Energy Up! and exemplified the program’s mission with the Fab Five Award. And Katie Couric (my fave!) was there to present the first Fit, Fabulous and Fierce Award to Sarah Siegel-Magness, producer of the Oscar-winning film Precious.

I must admit that after a long day at the office, my own energy levels were feeling more down than up, but I was instantly inspired and rejuvenated as I watched these young women cheer for each other as they performed dance routines and shared personal stories about how eating healthy and exercising had changed their lives—a few brave ladies even conquered the catwalk with a little help from Sex and the City costume designer Rebecca Weinberg!

It’s easy to feel discouraged by all the negative news about the soaring rates of obesity. But the positivity and passion I saw in these young women was a reminder that it’s never too early—or too late—to make your health a priority. We all have the power to be fit, fabulous and fierce!